Ames Family Vacation

Hello all,

If you are reading this, then chances are, you know the Ames family in some way. Janet Ames has worked as a Certified nurse assistant in the Short Stay Unit at Samaritan Hospital for 9 years, and that is how I got the opportunity to meet her. She has committed her life and career to faithfully serving her community and today we have the opportunity to serve her and her family in return.

The Ames family recently got news that their daughter is once again facing her brain cancer diagnosis. Here is Beth's story:

"Elizabeth Ames, commonly called Beth, was diagnosed with a grade 4 Glioblastoma (‘aggressive’ cancerous brain tumor) in October 2021 at 18 years old. She went through the standard treatments, chemotherapy, and a type of radiation called proton radiation. Thanks to the help of others, lots of thoughts, prayers, and some money along the way got her and her family of 6 through the tough process. After that treatment, Beth had done multiple MRI brain scans and it had shown up clear for nearly two years, almost making her a survivor, since there had been no signs of cancer cells or tumors. On September 29th of 2023, at 20 years old, Beth got another MRI scan and found out on October 4th, 2023 that she now has 3 small tumors metastasized to different parts of her brain. Glioblastomas are shown to double in size within 7 weeks. Those defined as grade 4, the most aggressive type, grow the fastest of any other."

Beth is currently experiencing few symptoms; an occasional headache and some numbness on her left side from time-to-time. She has decided that treatment with chemotherapy and radiation is not something she is interested in doing again. Her heart is to be at home with her friends and family enjoying her life, rather than being stuck in a hospital, sick. Beth, without treatment, has a 3-6 month prognosis.

This is where we all come in. I would love to see how we could support the Ames Family as they live out however much time they have to spend with Beth. The goal is to be able to send them on a vacation as a family to make some new memories. With this, the reality of Beth’s prognosis is very real. The goal, again, is to raise money to be able to send Janet and her family on vacation… but we need to rally, and do so quickly.. Because time is of the essence. The hope is that Beth will be in good health to enjoy this trip as well and her cancer, untreated, will grow. So.. the quicker we all rally, the better!

I’m asking that you consider donating funds to support Mark, Janet, Elizabeth, Jessica, Timothy, and Alexandria. To give this deserving family some new memories, to make walking through Beth’s journey a little sweeter. Elizabeth loves art, and nature, learning new things, spending time with her friends, and enjoying time with her family. She truly just wants to fill her time with more experiences and more beauty. While Janet and Mark continue to pray for healing for Beth, that healing may not be seen on this side of heaven. Let us help make her time here a little more beautiful.

- Thanks in advance for your kindness.